How to Manually Remove a Virus Alert From the System Tray

Computers provide much in terms of business and entertainment. Even so, they are susceptible to viruses. These viruses are programs that cause problems with the computer's operation. Sometimes viruses place false alerts in your computer system tray. These alerts look legitimate but aren't. They can interrupt your work by popping up repeatedly. To get rid of these virus alerts from the system tray in Windows 7, you'll need to remove the file that is generating the popups manually.


Instructions

1. Look at the popup's title. The title is usually associated closely with the name of the virus.
2. Open up any browser such as Mozilla Firefox. Search for the popup's title to identify the exact file name for the virus causing the popups. Viruses sometimes take control of browsing applications, so if this is the case on your computer, simply do your research on a friend's machine.
3. Press "Ctrl," "Shift" and "Esc" on your computer keyboard simultaneously to bring up Task Manager. Task Manager identifies all applications (including any viruses) that are running. Click the Processes tab and look through the list for the virus file. Select the file and click "End Process." Close the Task Manager window.
4. Click "Start." Type "msconfig" into the search box and press "Enter." Click the Startup tab. This brings up a list of items that are programmed to start with your computer. Look through the file paths under the Command column for anything resembling the name of the virus, including possible abbreviations. Write down the entire file path for each file you find that is associated with the virus so you can remember where they are on your computer. Deselect these virus files so they don't start back up. Click "Apply" and then click "OK" to exit the msconfig program. Reboot if you were unable to stop the virus program through Task Manager.
5. Click the "Start" menu and choose "Computer." Navigate through the Explorer window to the location of the virus file. Select the file, right-click and choose "Delete." Click "OK" when the computer asks you to verify whether you want the file moved to the Recycle Bin.
6. Select the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. Right-click and choose "Empty Recycle Bin." Proceed to Step 7 if this does not get rid of the virus.
7. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel." Click "Programs." Choose "Uninstall a Program." Select the vi

Tips & Warnings


Some viruses won't allow you into "Task Manager". If this is the case, you'll need to restart your computer in Safe Mode. To do this, shut down your computer, press the "Power" button as normal to boot, and then press "F8" on your keyboard repeatedly. Then use the up and down arrows on your keyboard to select "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode With Networking." Then proceed with the usual virus removal steps. You must have the name of the virus file before you boot this way.